Page 67 of Deceiver

Ipull my phone out of my pocket, but before I can even dial, it’s already ringing, Calliope’s name showing up on the small screen.

I answer it quickly. “I was just about to call you.”

“Wilder. Is something wrong with Keagan?”

“Yes, that’s why I was about to call you. How did you know?”

“I felt something break through my protection spell. Something was still able to get to him there.”

“He’s acting very strange, and I found him nearly unconscious on the bedroom floor after getting a very distinct feeling that the Horror was near. When he came to, he said his dad borrowed energy from the other spirits that were summoned.”

“Oh no,” she says. “Now that he’s using their power, he’ll be that much harder to get rid of.”

“I know. Been there, done that. The problem is, now Keagan wants to go to his house, and I’m pretty sure he’s a lot more susceptible to something getting to him there than he is here, but I don’t have the right to keep him from his own house.”

“No, I don’t suppose you do.”

“Any ideas?”

“You could try an amethyst around his neck, that might help, but if the Horror can get past my protections, I don’t know that a crystal is going to do any good. My advice is to keep an eye on him and make sure he’s not alone. If he’s alone, there’s an opportunity to harm him.”

“I won’t leave him alone.”

“Where is he now?”

“Upstairs.”

“Alone?” Calliope asks.

“Well, yes, but he’s in my house.”

“The house where the Horror was still able to get through?”

I frown. “Good point. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Please do.”

I end the call and hurry up the stairs, rapping softly on Keagan’s door.

“Keagan?”

“One second.”

“Just checking if you’re good in there.”

“I’m good. I’ll be right out.”

I lean against the hallway wall waiting for him. Seconds later, he opens the door, wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

“I’m ready.”

“Anything happen in there?”

He shakes his head. “No. Why?”

“Because the last time I saw you, you were passed out on the floor.”

“Passed out?” He sounds confused. “Hmm, I gotta admit, my memory seems a little spotty lately.”